Looking for a simple way to give your empty eggshells a second life? These charming beeswax eggshell candles are an easy, low-waste craft that transforms breakfast leftovers into beautiful décor. They're perfect for spring tables, cozy fall evenings, holiday place settings, or thoughtful handmade gifts.

The best part? You don't need a candle-making kit. With a few kitchen tools, pure beeswax from your local farmers market, and empty Nellie's Free Range eggshells, you'll be pouring candles in no time.

Materials

• Empty eggshells
• Pure beeswax
• 100% cotton kitchen twine
• Heat-proof container for melting wax (An old small saucepan or glass bowl works well - bonus points if it has a pouring spout! This will probably retain some wax residue, so avoid using your best cookware!)
• Large saucepan or pot
• Something to elevate your melting container inside the pot, such as a metal cookie cutter or silicone egg rack
• Clothespins
• Candy thermometer (optional)
• Empty egg carton
• Soft-boiled egg cups (optional, for display)
  

Before You Begin

We love using pure beeswax from local beekeepers at the farmers market whenever possible. Not only does it support local farms, but beeswax burns cleanly, smells naturally of honey, and gives these little candles a beautiful golden glow without added fragrances or dyes. Farmer’s market beeswax is also usually food grade wax, so you don’t have to worry about any residue on your cookware.

Instructions

1. Save and prepare your eggshells.

After using Nellie's Free Range Eggs in your favorite recipes, save the empty shells for this craft instead of tossing them. Crack each egg near the top (or pointy end) rather than across the middle whenever possible, leaving as much of the shell intact as you can.

If you're collecting shells over several days, give each one a quick rinse with warm water, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Once you've saved enough, clean them all at once before crafting.

Carefully peel away the thin membrane from the inside of each shell. Craft tweezers help with this step. Then, for extra cleanliness, either:

• Boil the shells in water for 5 minutes, then let them dry completely, or
• Bake the shells on a baking sheet at 200°F for 10 minutes, then cool completely.

Once the shells are completely clean and dry, place them back into an empty egg carton to keep them upright while you pour the wax.

2. Make your wicks.

Cut pieces of 100% cotton kitchen twine about 2 inches longer than the height of your eggshells.

Once your beeswax has melted (see Step 3), dip each piece of twine into the wax until fully coated. Carefully pull it out, gently run it between your fingers to remove any excess wax, and straighten it while it's still warm.

Simply lay them flat on a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper to cool. Once the wax has hardened, the twine will be stiff enough to stand upright in the eggshells, making it easy to center each wick while you pour the candles.

Prefer to skip this step? Pre-made candle wicks with metal tabs work just as well. Simply trim them to ¼ inch above the height of your eggshells.

3. Melt the beeswax.

Create a double boiler using whatever cookware you already have: fill a saucepan with 1 to 2 inches of water and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.

Place your heat-proof wax-melting container inside the pan, resting it on a metal cookie cutter, silicone egg rack, or another heat-safe object so it isn't sitting directly on the bottom of the pot.

Add the beeswax and let it melt slowly.

If you're using a candy thermometer, aim for about 160°F to 170°F.

Avoid boiling the wax or heating it over direct heat.

4. Set the wicks.

Place one wax-coated wick into the center of each eggshell.

Lay a clothespin across the top of the shell to hold the wick centered and upright.

Keep the eggshells nestled in the egg carton for stability.

5. Pour the candles.

Carefully pour the melted beeswax into each eggshell, leaving about ¼ inch of space below the rim. You can pour directly from your melting pot, or pour the melted wax into a container with a spout like a liquid measuring cup.

You maybe have to use one hand to remove the clothes pin and wick to pour cleanly. If so, just immediately rest the clothespin back down on the edge of the eggshell with the wick in the middle of the melted wax.

If the wax settles slightly as it cools, simply top it off with a little more melted wax.

6. Let cool.

Allow the candles to cool completely at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours.

Once hardened, trim each wick to about ¼ inch above the wax.

Your candles are ready to enjoy! Nestle the candles in soft-boiled egg cups, ceramic egg holders, or an egg carton for a charming display that's also safe for burning.

Tips for Success:

• Save your eggshells in the refrigerator throughout the week until you're ready to make a batch.
• Larger eggshell halves hold more wax and burn longer.
• If a wick leans after pouring, gently straighten it while the wax is still warm.
• Beeswax naturally shrinks a little as it cools. A second small pour will create a smooth finish if needed.

Make It a Family Activity

Kids can help with plenty of the fun parts while an adult handles the hot wax.

They can:

• Rinse and dry the eggshells
• Remove the membranes
• Straighten and clip the wax-dipped wicks once they're cool enough to handle
• Arrange the eggshells in the carton
• Help decorate the finished candles with ribbons, small gift tags, or seasonal displays

Adults should handle melting and pouring the wax.

Safety Tips

• Never melt beeswax directly over a burner. Always use a double boiler.
• Keep water out of the melted wax to prevent splattering.
• Always pour wax slowly and carefully.
• Never leave melting wax unattended.
• Burn eggshell candles in an egg cup or other sturdy, heat-safe holder.
• Keep lit candles away from children, pets, and flammable materials.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended.

Cleanup Tips

• Let any leftover wax harden in your melting container before scraping it out for future projects.
• Wipe warm tools with paper towels before washing.
• Avoid pouring melted wax down the drain.
• Leftover beeswax can be remelted and used again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you make candles in eggshells?

A: Yes! Eggshells make wonderful natural candle vessels. As long as they're clean, dry, and supported in an egg carton or egg cup while burning, they're perfect for small beeswax candles.

Q: Can I use regular kitchen string?

A: Only use 100% cotton kitchen twine. Synthetic fibers won't burn properly and may melt instead of acting as a wick.

Q: Do I need to buy candle wicks?

A: No. Wax-coated cotton kitchen twine works beautifully for small eggshell candles and keeps this project simple using supplies you may already have at home.

Q: How long do eggshell candles burn?

A: Depending on the size of the eggshell, expect about 45 to 60 minutes of burn time.

Nellie's Tip 💜☀️

This is one of our favorite ways to make the most of every Nellie's egg. Crack them for breakfast, save the shells, and turn them into something beautiful you'll enjoy long after the last bite.